The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-06-16
THE FLAGS AT WASHINGTON.

An Effort to Trace the Origin OF the Order
State Trophies To Be Called For.
Washington Special Cincinnati Commercial Gazette
Five hundred and forty-hve Confederate bat
tie flags are being packed for delivery TO those
whom President Cleveland chooses to trea.
as the legitimate successors of the States of the
Confederacy.
1t seems that the President gave the order be-
fore he left his vacation. It is not clear
whether he or Secretary Eudicott originated the
idea, but both appear to warmly approve ii. So
far as known in the Offices of the department.
where such things should be known. 1t is said
that there has been no formal correspondence on
the subject beyond the order and the circular
letter written by Adiutant general Drum by di-
rection of the President.
This costly collection of Union trophies-sa-
cred collection would be better term-is stored
in a small room about fifteen feet square on the
seventh floor of the War Department Here
these flags have been locked up for some time
For months they we're left in basement stor-
age.
AS you enter, there leaning against
the wall to the left, and extending the length Of
that side, 235 MON flags rolled on their etaffs
These the flags once captured by the rebels
and afterwards recaptured. Standing with these
are the flags of the colored troops-chiefy re-
cruited in the South-returned to the depart
ment when troops were mustered out. On the
adjacent wall are about 200 confederate field
flags, with all manner of stats from those Of
poles cut in the woods and the bark left on.
To the right as you enter about 100 rebel flags,
which have been fully identified, are ranged
against the wall. and the history of each is now
being written out so that they can be sent upon
request of the Southern Governors interested.
In all, some $50 or 260 are ready for shipping.
Against this same wall, to the right, are three
double cases. reaching nearly to the ceiling. di-
vided into good-sized pigeon-hoes. and in each
of these is a rebel flag without staff. Each is
rolled up, and each has a numbered tag attached
which corresponds with the numbers in the
book containing the history of the flag Tho re-
manning side of the room is taken up with case
These boxes are nearly all filled, each having
rebel flag with its number attached. On the top
of this latter case piled a lot OF garrison
flags, mostly taken from captured forts. Among
these, and ready for shipment, are the flags OF
Fort Moultrie and of the citadel of Charleston
the compliments OF Grover Cleveland to the era
die of secession.
The book which has the record of these flags is
a curious study. There was opportunity to-day
for only a very brief examination of its pages.
There is in it description of each flag, whether
regimental, battle flag guidon, company colors.
headquarters flags ETC. Ii the troop 20 which II
belonged, and the place of its capture and the
Union troops or soldier who took it are known,
these facts all entered, and sometimes very
interesting attending facte. The colors captured
by each State designated in separate lists.
mere glance at the books. which for the pres-
emit it is not desired should be closely examined,
showed that there can be no volume in the
archives of the government so crowded with rec
ords of personal deeds of daring. Witness this
sample, given without name because no notes
could be taken the leaves were turned.
mo. This flag was captured by Pr ivate
He was picket. and noticing rebel
skirmish line with flag ralying for an advance.
rushed for the color. The officer in command
called out to his line to shoot the Yankees Tho
cavalryman fell dead. Private ---- rushed on
the color bearer. grasped the flag and. though
fired on from all directions, regained the Union
lire just the skirmishers on that side advanced
the enemy"
And Grover Cleveland sends that back. Why
not send it to this who took it. or to his
family2 Or. if he is dead, as such a soldier prob
ably is and the flag must 60, why not search
the Union cemeteries for his grave, dig up his
bones and send them to some Southern Govern
or with this flag, and thus complete the shame
full actl
ton of the Secretary of War" There is a
son to believe that this recommendation was
based on suggestion from the White House,
and it ID said to have been inspired by Governor
Lee, of Virginia. Many of tine flags are stained
with the blood of brave Union soldiers who took
part in their capture These blood-stained evil
dences of loyalty and patriotism are to be sent
back to float over confederate remains; to hang
the walls of Southern State captols; to AMI
mate the eloquence of such men as ID ID. Hili.
and to enable Jefferson Davis to exclalm "itn
more emphasis than ever: 1--WE were right
In Washington these flags are not puoicly as
played. In the South they will be exhibited as
recaptured trophies to be Cherished with rever.
ence and sacredly guarded For more man
twenty years they have been held oy the war
Department in trust for the ioyaI men VINO
saved the Union. That trust 10 now to De vlo-
lated by Democratic administration. Whyf
An officer who has spent forty years In his
country,s service to-day said: Il do not under
stand this 1 suppose Cleveland can get the
nomination any way, and. OF course. II he IS
nominated the South will support him. II
hardly seemed worth while to insult every man
who fought for the Union
To-day it said by high authority at tho
War Department that the confederate flags
which have not yet been transmitted to the
department, but which were sent by thei-
captors to the State capitals ut the North in
stead must now be gathered up in order that
they may be sent South.
Attempted Murder and Suicide.
-JoSenh Du-